Evaluation of Improvement in Skin Laxity and Oiliness After Monopolar Radiofrequency Treatment: A Pilot Study Utilizing Multiple Assessment Tools
Clinical Summary
View sourceWhat was studied
Single-session, full-face monopolar radiofrequency was tested in 32 adults with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V, with follow-up at 4, 8, and 24 weeks using 3D imaging, multi-parameter skin analysis (sebum, viscoelasticity, retraction time), histology in 12, and patient/dermatologist improvement ratings.
Key findings
At 2 months, sebum production fell from 32.88%±31.80% to 12.25%±20.39% (p=0.005), viscoelasticity rose from 4.61±3.00 to 6.06±2.84 MPa (p=0.023), and retraction time dropped from 242.00±172.99 to 167.86±68.16 ms (p=0.017); 53.1% of patients and 62.5% of investigators rated >50% overall improvement. Radiance scores increased at 4 and 8 weeks (p=0.037; p<0.001) and 3D sebum scores decreased at 8 and 24 weeks (p=0.016; p<0.001); no severe adverse events occurred (5 transient erythema, 3 small burns).
Study limitations
Single-arm pre–post design without a control group; small sample with sex imbalance (93.8% female); histology limited to 12 participants with potential inter-operator variability.
Clinical implications
Monopolar RF can improve mid–lower face laxity metrics and reduce oiliness over 2–24 weeks in adults with skin types III–V, with mostly mild, transient AEs; fine wrinkles and pore scores did not change significantly.
Related Questions
Explore related topics and deepen your understanding